BANKING CORRESPONDENCE

To minimize the difficulties of the poor in nationwide lockdown, the government is giving cash to them through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Around 31 crore beneficiaries have already received the assistance in their bank accounts.

Sumi Khatun, a 'business correspondent' of State Bank of India moves around several villages in West Bengal's Birbhum district to help people make modest withdrawal or deposit money during the COVID-19 induced lockdown.

The UP government’s latest initiative is the move to appoint ‘Banking Correspondent Sakhi’, or female banking agents, in all 5,8000 gram panchayats in the state. The sakhis will do door-to-door visits and are expected to become the main link between female customers, particularly those who are associated with self-help groups (SGHs), and the bank.

Bank of Baroda said to ensure maintenance of hygiene and safety, it is also providing additional support in tranches to keep the BC points sanitised and clean through sanitisers, disinfectants, use of masks and other measures.

In many cities like New Delhi, practically nothing is moving on the roads. People stay indoors, as instructed, emerging only to collect the basic necessities. One friend who gets his food delivered told me he hasn’t left his house for a month.